No Strings Attached

Chapter 116

He clenched his fists, his eyes blazing red as he stared at Victoria, “Lock her up in the

sylum, and make sure she’s watched closely.” Without another word, he turned and left. Clara woke up early in the morning to a call from Marco, who mentioned that his grandson had just been discharged from the military and was looking for something to do. Marco suggested that he could come over and work as her bodyguard. Considering the recent unrest, Clara readily agreed.

After breakfast, she drove to the airport alone to pick up her new bodyguard. But as she walked downstairs, she spotted a familiar figure.

lan stood there, dressed entirely in black, like a shadow emerging from the darkness, his gaze fixed on her,

Memories of lan’s words from the previous day came flooding back to her. “Let the past go and start anew.” She smiled softly in response. Key in hand, she headed straight for the parking lot.

“Clara.” lan’s voice called from behind her.

She paused and slowly turned to face lan’s brooding visage. Her voice was nonchalant, “Is there something you need, Mr. Hayes?”

lan’s fingertips curled slightly, his voice husky, “There’s a new diner nearby. They serve split pea soup, one of your favorites. Let me treat you to lunch.”

A distant smile crossed Clara’s face. “Thanks, Mr. Hayes, but I’ve already eaten.”

“Where are you headed? I can give you a ride.’

“No need, I have my car.”

She turned to leave but was suddenly enveloped in a tight embrace from behind. Ian’s chin rested on her shoulder, his hot breath on her neck. His hoarse voice whispered in her ear. “Clara, I’ve had Victoria committed to the asylum. She won’t trouble you anymore.”

A bitter smile flickered in Clara’s eyes. She was aware that lan must have uncovered the truth about what happened at the banquet.

But what good did that do?

When she had been at her most vulnerable, longing for his comfort, he had chosen to coldly abandon her. This pain, sharper than a heart being pierced, was something she would never forget in her lifetime.

Clara stood still, impassive. “Have you had your fill, Mr. Hayes? I’m late to pick someone up from the airport.” She forcefully unwrapped lan’s arms and, without looking back, got into her car and drove off.

11.02

Watching her receding figure, lan felt an unprecedented sense of loss. For the first time, he truly felt that something precious was slipping away from him. Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

Just then, his phone rang with a call from Grandma Rose. “lan, your granduncle’s grandson, Ryker, is coming to Northbridge today. He’s got no place to stay, and you’re living alone, so why not have him stay with you?”

lan’s already sour expression soured further. Without hesitation, he refused, “Grandma Rose, I’m not comfortable living with others. If you want to help, let him stay at the family home.”

“You’re not comfortable living with others? When Clara was living with you, you never wanted to leave the house.” Rose unapologetically poked at his wound.

lan scowled, “That’s different, isn’t it?”

“How is it different? Clara was your little kitten, and Ryker will be your little wolfhound. They’re both pets. Just take care of them.”

Rose’s words were sharp as a knife, expertly wielded to hit where it hurt. Ian felt a sudden pain in his chest as anger rose within him. “Give me his number. I’ll contact him myself.”

“That’s more like it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you–don’t bully him like you did when you were kids. He’s all grown up now, and I heard he’s got a girl he’s sweet on. Maybe one day you can meet her.”

HP